Despite my technical job, I often find myself “behind the curve” of technology. I don’t subscribe to spending copious amounts of money on new phones and gadgets, I’d rather buy motorcycle parts and food. I don’t have a need for a gigabit ethernet switch, multi-function scanners, printers and fax machines, or cameras that toast bread.
But this week, I was forced to make a change towards technology. After fighting with my phone company over the costs associated with fixing the excess line noise, I gave AT&T the proverbial middle finger, and switched to VoIP (Vonage). Despite a scheduling mix-up that left me without a home phone for three days, I must say I’m impressed.
I was paying 27-35$ a month for local-only phone coverage on a line so noisy that I often had to press the phone hard to my ear, and plug my other ear, just to hear what the party was saying on the other line. I now pay 24$ a month to call anywhere in the US. I get voicemail service for free, and they get magically delivered to me via email, so I can keep up on correspondence, even if I’m not home. If I need to travel on business, my home phone can come with me if needed.
Most of you know I’m not big on telephony, but this has me pretty jazzed up. VoIP is here to stay. With the internet more proliferate than aging telephone technology, its only a matter of time before the telephone line as we know it, simply fades away like VHS tapes, and Cassettes.
February 21st, 2008 at 11:50 am
Welcome, I switched to Vonage after Chris switched, and he worked for the phone company. I was surprised how easy it was and also that the phone company made no attempt to try and keep me. I think it’s the greatest. They have an unadvertised plan that is 500 minutes a month for $14.95. If you use more than 500 minutes you get charged by the minute at some small rate. We like that now our phones show us who are calling and we can act like snobs and not answer. I liked it so much that I bought some stock; well maybe that was a mistake, but I have no complaints otherwise.
February 22nd, 2008 at 12:59 pm
I think I may see if I can switch to the 500 minutes a month plan. I barely talk on the phone, and I really don’t need the unlimited plan. To be honest, I just like the freedom to call anywhere in the USA without fear of ridiculous costs. My parents live in the same state as I, and with AT&T, it was costing me 5 cents a minute just to call them (40 minutes away). Last night I called my machinist/mechanic/mentor parts guy and talked for the better part of an hour, just because I could.